Summary

Image of a Sikh Mountain Battery on what appears to be the Avenue to the Pyramids in Egypt, taken around late 1914-early 1915. The Avenue to the Pyramids (also known as Pyramid Road) connects the Pyramids of Giza to Cairo. The road was built by Isma'il Pasha for the Empress Eugenie of France who visited Egypt in 1869 for the inauguration of the Suez Canal. The acacia trees that originally lined the root were donated by the Empress, but were later replaced by Eucalyptus trees.

MM 107400 shows two members of the 53rd Sikh Regiment, who also seem to be on the Avenue to the Pyramids, and it is possible that this battery belongs to the same regiment.

One of 108 images in an album from World War I likely to have been taken by Captain Edward Albert McKenna. The album contains photographs of the 7th Battalion in Egypt. McKenna, born in Castlemaine, Victoria, was a 36-year-old department manager of soft goods when he enlisted on 17 August 1914. He lived at 5 St James Buildings, William Street, Melbourne, and had been married to Elizabeth ('Lillie') Mary McKenna since 1910. He embarked from Melbourne 19 October 1914 on the HMAT Hororata, and served in the 7th Battalion Australian Infantry. He was killed in action in Gallipoli around 25-30 April 1915, aged 37. His kit bag was unusually full, even containing seven shirts, a pillow, six towels, a travelling rug, gumboots, and pyjamas and slippers. Also amongst his possessions was a camera, although no photographic prints or albums. He was buried at 7 Lone Pine Cemetery, Gallipoli. His details appear on the honours roll on the web page of the Australian War Memorial.

Description of Content

Group of mounted Indian servicemen who appear to be in regimental lines, waiting along the side of a road lined with trees.

Physical Description

Black and white photographic print on paper with a white border.

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